Jamshedpur, April 6: As a part of its strategy to control the spread of Novel Coronavirus, South Eastern Railway (SER) is converting 329 coaches into isolation and quarantine wards initially to help COVID-19 affected people at large.
SER official said that different units of SER have started the conversion and modification works. “The modification works of the coaches are being carried out under the guidance of Medical Department and the converted and modified coaches will be equipped with all necessary medical facilities for the COVID-19 affected people. One coach is expected to have a good number of medically equipped beds to serve the COVID-19 affected people,” he noted.
He said that the works for conversion and modification of 329 coaches into isolation and quarantine coaches are being carried at Kharagpur Workshop, Santragachi Depot, Tatanagar Depot and Hatia Depot. “Out of 329 coaches, Kharagpur Workshop has been entrusted to convert and modify 160 coaches. Santragachi Depot is converting 89 coaches while Tatanagar Depot and Hatia Depot are modifying 20 and 60 coaches respectively,” he added.
According to information only Non-AC Sleeper Coaches will be utilised for the conversion and modification to help the COVID-19 affected people. “One Indian style toilet will be converted into a bathing room with bucket, mug and soap dispenser. Water taps with lift type handle will be provided in the wash basins. There will be provision for oxygen cylinders, extra bottle holders, storage area, dustbins with foot operated lid etc. Mosquito nets will be fitted on the windows and measures are being taken to ensure ventilation,” he added.
Located on the Howrah-Mumbai main route Tatanagar is an important station. Several important trains travel via Tatanagar, including the high-profile Rajdhani Express and Duronto Express. The station sees a daily traffic of 90 mail, express and passenger trains, besides a footfall of more than 60,000 passengers.